Every time you visit your pediatrician's office, you will notice that your child's temperature is taken. This is because body temperature changes can be the warning sign for a range of illnesses, some of which can be severe. A normal temperature reading for a child when taken by mouth is 98.6 degrees F, though this measurement can range from 95.9 to 99.5 degrees F in different kids. Kids with temperatures consistently out of this range can be in danger and should see a physician.
Function
A child's body temperature is a total representation of many ongoing body processes at the same time. Changes in it can be the first sign of sickness and tracking its recovery is often a good measurement of a child's recovery from that particular illness. Physicians rely upon measuring body temperature because it is a relatively quick and painless assessment, and when performed properly, can be quite accurate as to a child's health.
Types
You can measure your child's temperature multiple ways, and you should consult your physician to find out which is most appropriate for your child. Often, pediatricians will recommend rectal temperature measurements for the first three to four years of life, because kids of this age won't cooperate with oral measurements. Once your child begins to cooperate with oral measurement, it becomes the standard temperature reading. Other readings may be performed in alternative situations, such as ear, armpit or even forehead measurements.
Considerations
Normal body temperature ranges are different depending on the area of measurement. Oral temperature readings should be in the range of 95.9 to 99.5 degrees F, but rectal readings tend to be higher. A rectal temperature reading should be in the range 97.9 to 100.4 degrees F. If you measure your child's temperature and it is outside this range, you should repeat the measurement, either in the same or a different location, to confirm that it is indeed abnormal.
Benefits
Abnormal temperature readings are indicators of both benign and severe conditions. For example, a child may have a fever with short-term viral infections, which are common in the first years of life, or as a reaction to immunizations that are also abundant in a child's early years. These fevers likely won't require medical intervention. Fevers can also be associated with more serious bacterial infections or even chronic conditions like cancer. Measurement of abnormal temperatures will therefore help you detect these potential dangers quickly in your kids.
Warning
Depending on the age of your child, you may need to call your physician immediately after an abnormal temperature reading. For infants under 3 months old, one abnormal reading is enough to warrant a call to your doctor. For older kids, you may want to confirm the temperature reading, but anything above 101 degrees F should also be cause for an immediate doctor call. Acting fast on these informative readings can help your child be diagnosed and treated in an appropriate manner.
